YP Ministries has entered into a Journey Together Partnership with seven small churches in the Diocese of Florida called “Youth Initiative Project” (YIP). These hold something in common in that they have few active young people in their congregations but have a burning desire to develop a strong youth presence in each place. A special thanks to Bishop John Howard for his support of this project and for the Diocesan funding of it through a special fund for congregational development. Also, YP Ministries deeply appreciates the support of Doug Walker, Diocesan Development officer, and The Rev. Wiley Ammons, Canon for Youth Ministries. On May 9-10, 2014, adults from these seven congregations gathered totalling almost 50 people. They eagerly participated in the visioning process and each church group came away with an exciting vision and plan for the future. Nine YP Ministry team members are involved in this project with these special congregations. The next session will be held August 15-16 and will be the first module of the Being Barnabas training. We will keep you posted on the exciting things that are happening to develop a thriving youth presence in each...

First, the term “youth ministry” has worked well for a very long time. Why change it? Often when we say youth ministry, we think of a youth group, one or a few adult leaders, a program and activities for young people whose families attend our church. “Youth Presence” widens and expands this concept by focusing on the presence of Christ in young people’s lives and how their presence transforms our congregations. A strong youth presence is different in every place and possible in every place. When you say that you are involved in youth ministry, the first question that is asked is, how big is your group? Seldom does someone inquire about relationships or faith or the presence of Christ among the young people. What if we could measure our success not by numbers but by who the young people are and how they make a difference in the world and in our lives? The foundations of Youth Presence change our understanding of who we are and how we live out our ministry with youth: Presence means the presence of Christ in young people’s lives. Where you go says a lot about who you are. Youth presence is more than a group, programs or activities for young people. Presence is how a young person experiences Christ when he or she encounters you or your congregation. This approach is about how young people can transform your congregation by their presence. Secondly, a strong youth presence can be built in any context when there is a vision and people who are committed to it. This is not a quick fix or...